Partner notification among HCV-positive couples who inject drugs

Keywords

Hepatitis C, injection drug use, Partner notification

Abstract

Background: This study examines predictors of partner notification (PN) confirmed by a test counselor among people who inject drugs (PWID) and their sexual partners in Kazakhstan.

Methods: We used baseline data from an HIV couple-based intervention study, restricting the sample to couples where both partners knew they were hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive prior to participation in the study (N = 136 individuals). Cross-tabulation and logistic regression were used to examine predictors of PN, including socio-demographic characteristics, sexual and drug risk behaviors, and access to health services.

Results: Of the sample, 68 (50%) participants notified their partners of their HCV status. PN was associated with participation in a needle/syringe exchange program and sexually transmitted infection counseling or education in the past 6 months. In the adjusted model, concurrent HIV infection (OR = 2.4, p < 0.05), having more than one sexual partner (OR = 2.5, p < 0.05), and participation in a needle exchange program (OR = 4.3, p < 0.01) were positively associated with notifying one's partner.

Conclusions: The findings from this study emphasize the importance of service access among PWID and point to the need for additional research on HCV counseling and notification strategies as a component of health services for injection drug users.

Original Publication Citation

Famouri, M.L.,* Shaw, S.A., Terlikbayeva, A., Gilbert, L., & El-Bassel, N. (2016). Partner notification among HCV positive couples who inject drugs. Journal of Substance Use, 21(1), 78-84.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2014-06-18

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5721

Publisher

Journal of Substance Use

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Social Work

University Standing at Time of Publication

Assistant Professor

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